There is a lot of talk amongst parents, in the media, in schools, etc. about organic foods, such as fruits, veggies, juices, meats, milk and dairy products, and even baked goods. Some parents may feel pressure or even guilt to purchase only organic products for their family’s meals – but is organic best? Typically, the reasons for buying organic foods center on costs, nutrition, and the environment. Let’s take a look at just a few of the pros and cons.
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Pros of Organic Foods |
Cons of Organic Foods |
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Health and Nutrition |
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| Free of Genetic Modifications. Many conventional crops are grown from genetically modified seeds. While most have been designated as safe (by USDA and/or FDA), it is still too early to really know the long-term health impacts of eating genetically modified foods. | Not Necessarily Nutritionally Superior. Some research shows that organic foods do contain more nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants) than conventional crops, but others disagree. Ultimately, it depends on the type of food or crop, where and when it’s grown. |
| Less Likely to Contain Allergens. Because organic crops may not be modified or use pesticides and chemicals during growth, they are more likely to be free of allergens or toxic substances than conventionally-grown crops. | |
| Free of pesticides. Certified organic foods must be grown free of synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and other chemicals. In very large doses, pesticides can harm your health and increase your risk for disease, including some cancers. | |
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The Environment |
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| Less Energy Utilized. Organic farming utilizes less energy than conventional farming (plus, less fertilizer, less pesticides, less water, less gasoline, etc.). | Less Efficient. Organic crops are often less productive than conventional. To produce the same amount of organic crops as conventional corps often requires more land, especially for grains and vegetables. |
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Variety, Price, Availability |
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| Many Budget Stores Now Carry Organics. Wal-Mart, Target and other lower price stores now carry a large variety of organic products. | Expensive. Organic foods can cost 25-50% more than conventionally grown foods. |
| Less Variety. Not all fruits, vegetables and other foods are readily available in organic versions (though the availability is increasing dramatically). You may have to go to multiple stores or markets to find everything you need. | Inconsistent or Unappealing Color, Size and Texture. Many organically grown foods are smaller, lumpier and bumpier than their conventionally grown counterparts. Some people care about that, others don’t. |
What to Choose?
Whether or not you choose to buy all organic, some organic, or none at all, is a very personal choice. There is no one single “best” reason to choose organic vs. conventional foods. If you choose to purchase organic, but find your budget can’t fit 100% organic, the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists from the Environmental Working Group (below) can help you choose those fruits and veggies that provide the most benefit in organic form, as well as those you can feel safest buying for your family in non-organic form.
More Healthy Shopping Ideas: Shop Local & In-Season
If you’re looking to buy the most flavorful, healthiest and sustainable products for your family, consider tailoring your fruit and veggie purchases to the season. Buying fresh-from-the-farm can mean greater variety, better taste and lower cost. And, supporting your local economy is a nice added bonus as well. For a list of fresh produce available by season in Washington State, or to find a farmers market near you, visit http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org or http://www.sustainabletable.org/shop/seasonal. There are also lots of other “buy local” websites for many regions in the US and internationally. Check for them on Google or your favorite search engine.
Happy eating!
So, I didn’t write. And really, for a few weeks, I didn’t do just about anything.
